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Jeremy Williams-Chalmers
Arts Correspondent
@jeremydwilliams
9:56 AM 24th March 2018
arts

Review: Lissie Maurus - Castles

 
Lissie Maurus
Lissie Maurus
Eight years ago Lissie Maurus signed to Columbia Records UK following a successful support slot on Joshua Radin's tour and the critical acclaim for her debut EP Why You Runnin'. In June of 2010 she released her debut album, Catching A Tiger, which was teased by the radio driven singles In Sleep and When I'm Alone, which were partnered with glossy videos that were far from representative of what this folk-driven singer/songwriter really showcased on her stunning debut record. Three years later she returned with the equally impressive, but slightly more confused Back To Forever. Trying to strike a balance with the commercial pop icon the record label wished her to be, and the alt-folk icon that her songwriting leaned towards, the record was
one of two halves.

Splitting with her label in the aftermath may have, at the time, felt like she had reached rock bottom after such a high profile launch, but she needed not to worry. For Lissie had built a truly solid and loyal fanbase through her compelling live performances, and finally won herself the opportunity to show the world her true colours on a record. The result was 2016's My Wild West, which was without doubt her finest hour to date. So just two years later, can she top the release with her fourth studio album, Castles?

While My Wild West played directly into the hands of her loyal fanbase by delivering a collection of songs that best represented what she could deliver in the live forum, Castles marks a real step forward as a recording artist. Lissie knows her identity but is unafraid of shaking up the formula to maximise her reach and challenge her listeners.

A modern day Stevie Nicks, Lissie proves herself a pop contender who is able to build epic anthems from her acoustic folk roots. By maintaining the raw edge that her sound demands, she manages to deliver the pop record that her label should have requested, rather than trying add gloss to an artist who is pure raw talent.

From the stripped back brilliance of Blood and Muscle to the anthemic Boyfriend, Castles is a stunning release.